The transition from a "Family Stay" residence status to a "Specified Skilled Worker" residence status in Japan is an important step that opens new career opportunities for foreign residents. This transition can promote individuals' professional growth, ensure a stable source of income, and provide the necessary skills for industries suffering from a labor shortage in Japan. Below, the benefits of transitioning to a Specified Skilled Worker status, the necessary requirements, the application procedures, and key points to consider are explained.

Benefits of Transitioning to a Specified Skilled Worker

Career Development

The Specified Skilled Worker qualification includes a wide range of fields, such as nursing care, construction, agriculture, the food service industry, and automobile transportation. It is possible to acquire specialized skills in these fields and build a career.

Increased Income

Since specialized skills are required, higher income compared to working with a Family Stay qualification can be expected.

Extension of Residence Period

For Specified Skilled Worker Type 1, a residence period of up to five years is possible, and it is possible to transition to Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 if certain conditions are met.

Transition Requirements

Japanese Language Ability

To work as a Specified Skilled Worker, basic Japanese language ability (equivalent to Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4, or N3 for bus and taxi in automobile transportation) is required.

Professional Skills

It is necessary to prove specialized skills and knowledge corresponding to the industry. This is generally proven by passing the relevant skills test or practical experience.

Health Conditions

Proof of health status is required.

Application Procedures

Confirmation of Eligible Specified Skilled Worker

Applicants wishing to transition need to confirm the industry of the Specified Skilled Worker they desire and its requirements.

Certification of Japanese Language Ability and Professional Skills

The applicant must pass the required language and skills tests and obtain the certificates.

Employment Contract

The applicant concludes an employment contract with a company that requires the specified skills.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility

The applicant gathers the employment contract and other necessary documents and applies for the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility at the immigration office.

Application for Change of Residency Status

After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant applies for a change of residency status.

Points to Note

Accuracy of Application Documents

If the application documents are incomplete, the application process may be delayed. Prepare all documents accurately and carefully with enough time.

Differences by Nationality

The application procedures and required documents may vary depending on the applicant's nationality. Check the details with the Japanese embassy or consulate in each country, or with the immigration office.

Recent migration status

The transition to Specified Skilled Worker status is an attractive option for many foreign workers, regardless of nationality. There is a trend of many transitioning from countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and Nepal. By industry, nursing care, agriculture, construction, and food and beverage manufacturing are particularly popular, but the automobile transportation industry, which is scheduled to be newly open, may become a popular industry with a higher wage level than other industries.

Through this transition process, Japan's labor market is diversifying and offering new opportunities to foreign workers. With proper preparation and information gathering, transitioning from family stay to Specified Skilled Worker status can open up pathways to success.